Transition Years (Grades 5-12)

Facilitating Successful Transitions, Advancing Academic Preparedness

The Transition Years represent the critical "transitions" between the various stages of the education continuum, especially middle school to high school. The knowledge and skills acquired during these formative years sets the stage for success in postsecondary education. Yet today, too few Arizona and Florida students graduate prepared to succeed in college and career. In fact, nearly 60 percent of Arizona students and 54 percent of Florida students require remediation upon entry into college. Improving student academic preparedness, including skills and knowledge in science, technology, engineering and math, will ensure more students are prepared to compete and succeed in a 21st Century global economy.

Helios believes that by facilitating rigorous, high expectation academic environments, more Arizona and Florida students will graduate prepared for college and career and pursue postsecondary education. As a result, we contribute our leadership, expertise, partnership and resources to:

• Improve Academic Rigor and Relevance with an Emphasis on STEM
  We will improve academic rigor for all students through programs of study that increase relevancy for students in achieving their personal and professional goals, meeting postsecondary education requirements and addressing 21st Century needs. Helios will facilitate the alignment of academic supports leading to improved college and career-readiness.
• Create and Sustain Highly Skilled Teachers and Effective Leaders
  We will work to enhance the skills and expertise of teachers and leaders. We will seek opportunities to attract and retain talented professionals to teach in the STEM areas, connecting them to traditionally underserved areas. We will cultivate highly effective leaders at all levels that embody a commitment to academic rigor and college-going opportunities and expectations for all students.
• Embed a College-going Culture Supported by Actively Engaged Families and Communities
  We will work to embed a college-going culture across educational systems and communities to improve academic performance and increase access to postsecondary information and opportunities for all students. We will seek to actively engage parents, families, schools and communities in the academic success of all Arizona and Florida students.

To learn more about Helios Education Foundation's Transition Years Theory of Change, Click Here to download the PDF.